Calendar

Elayne Goodman: Art as Life

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia

She uses yard-sale and auction items to create her pieces. Her work is characterized by exceptionally high content and color. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. Sun. 1 pm – 3 pm; Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm Admission

Memorial Day Ceremony

201 North Main Street, Colbert County Courthouse, Tuscumbia

Tues. 11 am, Ceremony honoring veterans of all wars at the Circle of Valor. Sponsored by American Legion Post 31. Contact: (256) 381-2298 FREE Admission

Farm Day

Wehdo Sheep Farm

Renea Dyer of USDA NRCS will again be with us to talk about the importance of soils. Note Blog post for Farm Day from last year. http://ameekperspective.blogspot.com/2012/07/farm-day-at-wehdo-sheep-farm.html There have been quite a few farm improvements at Wehdo Sheep Farm addressing some erosion, re-seeding new forages and some limited rotational grazing. And we have spent significant efforts to improve our sheep gentics so we will have some of our sheep on display as well as a sheep shearing demo. This event is to start at 10 am.

African Heritage Festival

609 S. East Street, Willie Green Center, Tuscumbia

Sat. 10 am – 8 pm. Explore African art and fashion, culture, crafts and food, includes dance demonstrations, live music featuring rhythm, blues groups and gospel choirs, folk storytelling and activities for the children. Vendor Contact: 256-381-1797 or 256-335-2911 FREE Admission

Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia

The Helen Keller Art Show of Alabama is an annual juried exhibition of works by Alabama students who are visually impaired, blind or deaf-blind. It tours state museums and agency galleries throughout the year, arriving at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art. Sun. 1 pm – 3 pm; Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm Admission Charged

“The Miracle Worker” Play

Helen Keller Birthplace, 300 North Commons W. Tuscumbia

Fri. and Sat. evenings (only) at 8 pm. Performed, in an outdoor theatre, on the grounds of Helen Keller’s Birthplace, broadway-style play recalls the childhood of this deaf-blind child, later known as “America’s First Lady of Courage”, and her gifted teacher, Anne Sullivan. Now in it’s 51st season. Admission Charged

Muscle Shoals Street Rod Run

Spring Park, Tuscumbia

Sat. 9 am – 4 pm, one of the largest antique & vintage car shows in Alabama displays all makes and models of street rods 1972 and older. Registration Contact: 256-381-3518 FREE Admission

Indian Artifact Show

Athens State University

Free Admission

Phil Campbell Hoedown

Phil Campbell, Alabama

Helen Keller Festival

Spring Park and downtown Tuscumbia

34th annual, Kicks off with a parade down Main Street, and more than 100 events including headliner music artists, arts & crafts, athletic events, car & truck show, Keller Kids educational activities, historic tours and trolley rides. Admission charged, some events FREE

Cherokee Independence Day Celebration

3752 Old Lee Highway, Cherokee

Sat. 10 am - until. Enjoy live music, arts & crafts, food and lots of fun. Climaxed by a fireworks display. Vendor Contact: (256) 577-0994 FREE Admission

Athens Lions Club Kiddie Carnival

The Kiddie Carnival is located at the intersection of Forrest & Beaty streets, just across from Athens Middle School.

Open every Thursday, Friday & Saturday night June 29 thru August 3. Hours of operation are Thursday-Saturday night of each weekend, 6:30pm-9:30pm. We have rides for kids along with great concessions and bingo! The rides are: small Ferris wheel, rocket ships, small swings, carousel, train,... roller coaster, parachutes, large swings and the scrambler. For safety and maintenance reasons, no adult riders on any of the rides. Concessions available include hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, french fries and cokes. Also available are the crowd favorites of cotton candy, dippin dots and funnel cakes. Our concessions are very reasonably priced and each of the rides is just one ticket, which is $.50. If you are interested in booking the Kiddie Carnival grounds for a private birthday party, which gives you the grounds with all rides available except the train. The private birthday parties are available June 1st through June 26. Private parties for the month of August will begin on August 6 thru August 31. We do not schedule parties on Sun or Wed. call Jackie Sneed at 232-262-1983 or 232-1296. For a private party you have use of the Kiddie Carnival for two hours and we provide about 4 volunteers to operate the rides for $250. You are allowed 25-30 kids at the event without additional charge. Over 30 will be charged $10.00 per child. We are flexible with times for parties. 6:30 til 8:30 pm is the choice for most people, since it is rather hot during this time period.

4th of July Walking Parade

600 North Main Street, Sheffield

Wed. at 10 am, an old fashioned walking parade, from baby carriages to wagons. Prizes awarded. Parade Entry Contact: (256) 394-1556 FREE Admission

Mostly Blues Exhibit

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence

To set the mood for the W.C. Handy Music •Festival, area artists create paintings, drawings and sculptures with a musical flair. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free

Huckfest

Jack Allen Recreational Complex

Hot BBQ, Cool Blues

Downtown Tuscumbia

Thurs. 6 pm – 8 pm. Live music and BBQ meals. Sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development. Business Contact: (256) 383-9797 Admission Charged

Saddle Up for St. Jude

Gardiner Farm, 1 Underwood Road, Tuscumbia

Fri. Noon – Midnight; Sat. 7am – Midnight. Largest horse-related event in the Southeast that benefits St. Jude Hospital. Featuring major Country Music Artist. Auction, trail rides, wagon rides, horse show, roping, seminars and demonstrations. Vendor Contact: (800) 282-7436 Donations accepted

W.C. Handy Festival

Various Places

Times vary. Great Jazz and Blues music can be heard throughout the area at restaurants, theatres, malls, parks and other locations. The week will include over 100 events, perfect for the jazz and blues enthusiast as well as family entertainment.

Vina Fest

Vina, Alabama

ArtWorks 2013

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia

ArtWorks is an annual exhibition that’s a multimedia survey of work by Tennessee Valley Museum of Art artist-members. It illustrates the vast range of talent and creativity by artists in northwest Alabama. Sun. 1 pm – 3 pm; Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm Admission Charged

Franklin County Watermelon Festival

Russellville, Alabama

Killen Founders Day

Killen Park – Killen, AL

Celebrate the anniversary of the town of Killen with a parade, a 5k run, artisans and food vendors, live musical entertainment, activities for kids, a working colonial village, Native American demonstrations, and a display of classic vehicles. Fireworks show takes place on Saturday night to conclude the event. Hours: Fri. 6-10 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.10 p.m. Admission: Free

Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Cemetery Labor Day Celebration

4945 Coondog Cemetery Road, Cherokee

Mon. 1pm – 4 pm. The first Coon Dog (Troop) was buried 1937. Over 300 graves are freshly decorated for the event. Music by the Southern Strangers, buck dancing, liar’s contest. BBQ and drinks available. FREE Admission

Shoals Area “Labor Day Festivities”

Spring Park, Tuscumbia

Mon. 9 am – 5 pm. Sponsored by the Shoals Labor Council. Parade at 11 am, speeches by Union representatives, State and local leaders. Miss & Little Miss Labor Day contest. Prizes, Fun and Food. Vendor Contact: (256) 383-2758 FREE Admission

Chickasaw Trails XC Meet

Oakville Indian Mounds

OKA Kapassa – Return to Cold Water – Native American Indian Festival

Spring Park, Tuscumbia

Fri. 9 am – 2 pm; Sat. 10 am – 9 pm. Friday is for school groups, the public is also invited. 12 Native American Tribes are represented to celebrate their culture and traditions. Dancing, storytelling, arts & crafts, native foods, special lighting of the torches at the Big Spring, water show and special tributes. Vendor Contact: (256) 757-4438 FREE Admission

Harvest of Quilts Quilt Show

Athens State University Ballroom

The quilt exhibition, vendors, silent auction, door prizes, boutique and bed turning will all be at the Athens State University Ballroom located at 300 N Beaty Street, Athens, AL. Admission for one day is $5.00 or two days $7.00. Hosted by Piece Maker’s Quilt Guild of Athens. Sep 13-14 at 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sep 16 at 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Art on the Square

The Limestone County Courthouse

Juried visual artists will sell their works around The Limestone County Courthouse in downtown Athens, AL. In addition to the visual arts, Kudzu Chronicles, A Southern Writers Event at Art on the Square, will be held downtown, in The ASU Center for Lifelong Learning. Add to that, performing arts and many local musicians who will share the stage that day, with The Alabama Blues Project Advanced Band, and Microwave Dave & The Nukes. Microwave Dave & The Nukes have established a multinational audience. Venues vary from French soccer stadiums to Daytona Beach; and from blues cruises to saloons. One thought remains: Blues lifts the Spirits. The Alabama Blues Society presented the band its Blues Achievement Award in 2001. This juried art show offers all types of art – paintings, pottery, and much more. Free admission. Fee to participants.

“The Way We Worked” exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute

Red Bay, Alabama

KALB Duck & Run 5k

Big Spring Memorial Park - Athens, Alabama

. There will be one water station mid-way through the course and splits will be called at each mile. Course is certified AL10016JD. Beautiful, shady, rolling but fast course through Athens' Beaty, Houston, and Courthouse historic districts. Best 5k road course around! Do not miss this race! Great hospitality and prizes! T-shirts guaranteed for the first 200 participants. The first 25 to register will also receive an entry into the Wacky Quacky Ducky Derby for a chance to win $1000 or other great prizes. Prizes: Mid-Pack Award, Best of Limestone County, and a cash drawing (must be at awards ceremony to win). Cash amounts for Mid-Pack and cash drawing will be determined by the number of registered runners. Overall, masters, and top 3 in 5 year age groups for male and female. Early registration $15, race day registration $20, fun run registration $10. T-Shirts guaranteed to the first 200 registered runners. Awards and prizes awarded. Race will begin at 8:00 AM.

A Blue Gray Alliance Event

Mountain Cove Farms

The Blue Gray Alliance is proud to partner with Walker County, Georgia in order to present the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga.

Trail of Tears Motorcycle Ride & Native America Pow Wow

Florence & Waterloo (motorcycle ride only)

Admission: Free

Red Bay Founders Festival

Red Bay, Alabama

City Cemetery Walk

Cemetery on Hobbs Street - Athens, Alabama

Come to the cemetery on Hobbs Street and enjoy the characters telling of their ancestors or others buried there. Step back in time and learn about some of the citizens buried at the Athens City Cemetery. Actors will be in garb as they tell about their ancestors. The cemetery is on Hobbs Street. Free admission. All donations are appreciation. Hours for this event are 2 - 5PM.

Athens Grease Festival

Downtown Athens

Downtown Athens, AL will be alive and hoping as the Spirit of Athens first annual “Grease Festival - A Celebration of all things Fried". It's Toga time! Mark your calendars for a fried food festival and celebration of the Greek origin of our city's name. Share your ideas, the quirkier the better! Stay tuned for more details.

Susan Weil & Jose Betancourt: Blueprints

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia

Art partners since 2000, Weil and Betancourt collaborate on a body of work utilizing cyanotype, a photographic printing process, and continue to create contemporary art together. Sun. 1 pm – 3 pm; Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm Admission Charged

Haunts Walks

Athens, Alabama

For a fun night with family and friends, join us for our annual “Haunts Walks”. Tour guides will tell you some of the ghosts’ stories of homes and buildings in Athens. It’s about a mile walk and takes between 1½ - 2 hours. Tickets are $5.00 each go on sale in August. Hours for this event are 6:00 & 7:00 PM.

Shoals Artists Guild Exhibition - Art Expressions

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence

The exhibit features works by Guild members in a wide variety of styles and media including watercolor, acrylic, oil, pastel, pencil, and mixed media. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free

Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention

Athens State University Campus

The Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention is known as the "Granddaddy of Midsouth Fiddlers Conventions" for its role in reviving the tradition of competition in old time music. Approximately, 15,000 people are expected to attend the convention this year from more than 30 states. The convention brings some 200 contestants to compete for top prize money. There are 18 different categories, including several fiddle and guitar categories, harmonica, mandolin, bluegrass banjo, dulcimer, old time singing, banjo, and buck dancing. The Convention culminates in a "fiddle-off," between the top two fiddlers. The winning fiddler is declared "Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddle Champion," and takes home a trophy and $1000. A total of $11,850 will be awarded to contestants. In addition to the musical competition, hundreds of musicians will participate in the numerous jam sessions conducted across the Athens State campus during the weekend. Many people camp in travel trailers and even tents during the event on the University property. The convention also includes 150 traditional arts and crafts booths. These feature many handmade and traditional items. Convention proceeds support student scholarships and University projects. To date more than $500,000 has been contributed to the University.

Oktoberfest

St. Michael’s Church – St. Florian

Each year the small town of St. Florian celebrates its rich German heritage with its Oktoberfest celebration—complete with music, artisans, children’s activities, an antique tractor and engine show, and of course German food! Hours: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Free

Jesse Owens XC Meet

Oakville Indian Mounds

Power of Pink Walk

Downtown Courthouse - Decatur

Spirit of Hodges Festival

Hodges, Alabama

Spruce Pine Day

Spruce Pine, Alabama

“History and Haunts” Trolley Tour

Downtown Tuscumbia

Sat. 4 pm and again at 6:30 pm. Tour some of the town’s most “haunted” sites, among them Tuscumba’s historic Train Depot and the site of the Civil War battle that took place in the outskirts of town in 1863. Tickets on sale at ColdWater Books (256) 381-2525 Admission Charged

Renaissance Faire

Wilson Park, Florence

Sat. 10 am – 6 pm; Sun. 1 – 5 pm. The faire transforms Wilson Park into Fountain-on-the-Green for the entire weekend. It is common to find Pirates, fairies, trolls, maidens, kings, and everything in between roaming the park. Demonstrators and performers will be situated throughout the park. FREE Admission

Rails to Trails Fall Color Ride or Walk

Veto Methodist Church, Athens

This is the perfect time to see the fall colors on the Rails to Trails. Leaves should be at peak and they are really beautiful. Come and take a nice walk or bring your bicycles or horses and enjoy the ride. You can start at Veto Methodist Church north entrance or Mitchell Coffman Park on Piney Chapel Road at the south entrance. You can also park in downtown Elkmont and enjoy the beauty of the trail.

Elkmont’s 1st Hilltop Arts Festival

Elkmont, Alabama

Over 30 booths of Tennessee Valley Artist's arts and crafts including paintings, photography, handmade jewelry, henna, pottery, candles and much more. Art Market is free to the public. Admission is $10.00.

Veteran’s Day Parade

200 North Main Street, Tuscumbia

Mon. 11 am. Downtown parade honoring all Veterans, past and those serving in our military around the world. Parade Contact: (256) 381-2298 FREE Admission

Quilt Challenge ‘13

Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence

Members of the Shoals Piecemakers Quilt Guild follow new ‘challenging’ rules each year to create innovative quilts of all sizes. Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission: Free

W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration

W.C. Handy Museum – College St., Florence

Live music, cake and free tours of Handy’s Home and Museum commemorate the birthday of the “Father of the Blues” and Florence native William Christopher Handy. Hours: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Admission: Free

Christmas in the Country

1461 LaGrange College Road, Leighton

Sat. 10 am – 4 pm; Sun. 1 – 4 pm. Wagon rides with Santa, natural live decorations reminiscent of early pioneer Christmases. Purchase homemade baked goods, gifts and Christmas ornaments for the holidays. Vendor Contact: (256) 446-9324 Donations accepted

“The Trees of Christmas”

Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 N. Water Street, Tuscumbia

This annual holiday display features 12-foot-tall live spruce and fir trees decorated in themes that explore who the people of the Shoals are and what they think is important. Community groups and local individuals create a holiday extravaganza using uncharacteristic techniques and surprising materials to tell their stories. Sun. 1 pm – 3 pm; Mon. – Fri. 9 am – 5 pm; Dec. 24, 10 am – 2 pm. Admission Charged

Dicken Christmas, Y’all

Downtown Tuscumbia

Fri. – Sun. Various times. A Dickens Feast, carriage rides, music, arts & crafts and food vendors. Sponsored by Tuscumbia Retail Development and Market 35674 Admission charged for some events.

Christmas at Ivy Green

300 North Commons W, Tuscumbia

Sat. 8:30 am – 4 pm. Beautiful live holiday decorations adorn the historic birthplace and home of America’s First Lady of Courage, Helen Keller. Sponsored by the Council of Local Garden Clubs. Admission Charged

Parade of Lights

River Walk Marina/Rhodes Ferry Park

Plantation Christmas

Belle Mont Mansion

Sun. 1 – 5 pm. Holiday event reminiscent of the “Old South” with traditional live decorations, period Christmas music, vintage ballroom dancing, and refreshments. Belle Mont, built c.1828, is one of Alabama’s most distinguished plantation homes. Admission Charged